The Riverhead Blue Waves may have lost talented shot putter Mike Smith to graduation, but Coach Sal Loverde’s team still returns a core of veteran athletes in seniors Treval Hatcher (triple jump, sprints), Rob Mullen (1,600 and 3,200 meters), Jeremy Warner (1,600 and 3,200) and Michael Beierle (1,600 and 3,200), along with junior Kevin Williams (triple jump, 600 and relays).

Hatcher made it to the state meet in the triple jump last winter.

“Treval has made a significant commitment,” Loverde said. “He has strength and speed. He has the coordination and a very competitive edge. Treval has a dedicated work ethic.”

Loverde said the Blue Waves have a young group of talented shot putters and jumpers that he is excited about.

Week by week, Loverde wants his team to keep improving so it peaks at the right time. He wants the Blue Waves to be able to challenge traditionally strong opponents like the Half Hollow Hills West Colts and Bellport Clippers.

“The key,” he said, “is to develop a good core of peer leadership to accent the coaching staff. Strong senior leadership makes a difference. We are encouraging kids to step up to the plate. We have a high level of expectations. The last 10 years we have established the Riverhead track and field program to be very competitive.”

This is the first year the Bishop McGann-Mercy Monarchs have fielded a boys track winter team and Coach Matt Perry is pleased with the number of athletes that tried out for the team.

“We had a good turnout,” Perry said. “We are really excited that 30 kids want to participate.”